TVO program THE AGENDA's visit to Thunder Bay identifies the positives in First Nations
‘Prosperity for all‘ NAN goal
PETER BURKOWSKI - 02/09/2009
Thunder Bay proved to be a “delightful surprise” for TVO‘s flagship current affairs program.
Steve Paikin‘s “The Agenda” gathered volunteers in the area on Sunday for Agenda Camp, a day-long meeting to discuss the Aboriginal economy.
An episode of “The Agenda” addressing the questions and concerns raised Sunday is to be broadcast live from Confederation College this evening.
The visit to Thunder Bay is part of a five-city tour discussing an array of economic problems in the country. Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie and Kingston were the previous stops.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy was among those who participated in Sunday‘s discussions, and he‘ll be on tonight‘s panel as well.
“We‘re talking about opportunities in terms of precious metals, fresh water and energy development,” said Beardy.
“We want to be full participants in the economy.”
He praised TVO for seeking to educate the public about important matters like the role of First Nations people in the national economy.
“The public needs to know its own history, in that First Nations people were instrumental in building the confederation that is now known as Canada,” said Beardy.
“We still have a lot to offer to continue to maintain prosperity for all.”
Clint Davis, CEO and president of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, said many First Nations are experiencing what he describes as an “economic renaissance.”
“The Aboriginal economy is something that‘s absolutely exciting right now,” said Davis.
“The time is now to invest in education and skill development in order to enable and empower Aboriginal people to take advantage of the changing global environment.”
Also present for Sunday‘s discussion were Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty, Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle and Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage.
Palkin, show host and senior editor, said the locals who attended the discussions distinguished themselves as dynamic, involved and motivated compared to those in other cities.
“It‘s going great – we‘ve learned so much already,” he said during Sunday‘s session.
“There was a level of enthusiasm and excitement that came faster than in any of the other three places that we‘ve done so far, which was a delightful surprise.”
The show‘s live broadcast begins at 8 p.m. today on TVO
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From the TBay Chronicle Journal
TVO show sees optimism for aboriginal education
By PETER BURKOWSKI - February 8, 2009
There is a good future in store for aboriginal education, says a panel of experts.
The TVO parenting show “Your Voice” filmed an episode at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre on Saturday.
During the show, two three-person panels discussed the past, present and future of aboriginal education in Canada.
“The chance to come up here and talk to aboriginal people about their children‘s school life, what it‘s like now, what they need to succeed was something we just couldn‘t pass up,” said the show‘s host and producer Cheryl Jackson.
“The panelists were very optimistic – they certainly know what the problems are, but they have found so many ways to address them.”
Among the panel members was filmmaker and social worker Michelle Derosier.
Derosier said that a proper analysis of the present and future states of aboriginal education requires a strong understanding of the history that precedes them.
“You have to talk about history, residential schools and the oppressive policies that we deal with as First Nations people,” said Derosier.
“It‘s going to inform on how we move forward – it‘s linked.”
Social worker and culture teacher Ron Kanutski agreed, but emphasized the importance of looking to the future.
“We‘ve had a lot of disconnection in the past, and a lot of misunderstandings,” said Kanutski.
“We are aware of the struggles that we‘ve been through as First Nations people, so what are we going to do about it now?”
Kanutski also said that the families of aboriginal children should feature prominently in their education.
“School is not a seperate entity,” said Kanutski.
“Parents and family have a right to be part of their children‘s education – they can play an active role, and we need to invest in that role.”
Other panelists included former NAN Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic, former NAN Grand Chief Bentley Cheechoo, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board aboriginal resource teacher Lynnita Jo Guillet, and Lakehead University aboriginal education professor Dolores Wawia.
The show will air online at tvoparents.com on Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on TVO starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 22.